Recruitment Begins for First Cohort of 'Solar Sharing College' – A Talent Development Program for the Future of Solar Sharing

The Solar Sharing Research Institute (Chuo-ku, Tokyo) is launching the 'Solar Sharing College,' an educational program for systematically learning about solar sharing (agrivoltaics), and has begun recruiting students for its first cohort.

Solar sharing is gaining national attention as a system that generates renewable energy while continuing agricultural operations. However, because it requires a wide range of knowledge spanning agriculture, energy, legal systems, and community development, opportunities for systematic learning have been limited.

To address this challenge, the Solar Sharing College aims to foster human resources who can lead sustainable agriculture and community development through lectures and case studies shared by practitioners.

About the Solar Sharing College

The Solar Sharing College is an educational program that allows students to systematically learn everything from the philosophy to the practice of solar sharing.

The curriculum includes:
- History and philosophy of solar sharing
- Agricultural land systems and related laws
- Farm management and agricultural business
- Basics of power generation business
- Building consensus with local communities
- Latest case studies and future prospects

Total of 12 sessions

Lecturers will include practitioners active on the front lines, such as farmers, business operators, researchers, and financial institution representatives.

By holding sessions primarily online, participants can join from anywhere in Japan. The program also provides opportunities for interaction among students and with instructors, aiming to build a community that connects learning with practice.

Appointment of Mr. Akira Nagashima as Honorary Principal and Ms. Yae as Main Personality

The college has appointed Mr. Akira Nagashima, the originator and patent holder of solar sharing who has been engaged in research and promotion of solar sharing for many years, as its principal.

Additionally, Ms. Yae, who works as a singer-songwriter while practicing an agricultural lifestyle in Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture, and is committed to building a sustainable society, has been appointed as the main personality.

Ms. Yae will participate as a navigator connecting lecturers and students in each session. The aim is to create a space for deepening dialogue on the future of agriculture, energy, and local communities, incorporating not only specialized knowledge but also perspectives on lifestyle and community development.

A major feature of the Solar Sharing College is that it is not a one-way lecture by experts, but a place where people from diverse backgrounds learn from and connect with each other.

Background of the Launch

Japanese agriculture faces challenges such as a shortage of farmers, an aging population, and an increase in abandoned farmland. There is also a growing demand for expanding the introduction of renewable energy to achieve a decarbonized society.

Solar sharing is expected to be a promising method for achieving both agriculture and energy, but its introduction and operation require multifaceted knowledge and experience.

The Solar Sharing Research Institute has decided to launch this college to broadly share the knowledge accumulated through nationwide case studies and promotional activities, and to connect it to the development of the next generation of leaders.

Representative Comment

Co-representative of the Solar Sharing Research Institute

Mitsuhiro Higashi

"The progression of global warming and the decline of Japanese agriculture show no signs of stopping. As a result, expectations for solar sharing are rising day by day. However, due to several factors, its adoption is not progressing as much as expected. One of the factors is the absence of 'Solar Sharing Producers' with comprehensive knowledge.

To realize each solar sharing project, knowledge and skills spanning multiple layers such as electricity, construction, agriculture, community revitalization, and finance are required. Therefore, we need human resources who can comprehensively understand this knowledge and can organize and manage projects.

Through this course, I hope we can produce as many 'Solar Sharing Producers' as possible. We aim to develop human resources who can be relied upon as problem-solvers in various regions across the country. We sincerely look forward to your participation!"

Related Initiatives

In addition to its educational business, the Solar Sharing Research Institute is also engaged in research, information dissemination, and community building related to solar sharing.

Furthermore, the institute plans to exhibit at the 4th National Convention of the Solar Sharing Festival, to be held in Kyoto on June 12 and 13, 2026. This event brings together practitioners, researchers, business operators, and government officials from across the country to share the latest case studies and knowledge on solar sharing.

At the Solar Sharing Festival venue, introductions to the Solar Sharing College and consultation sessions for enrollment are also planned. The college will be operated as a place to develop the interest and connections born at the event into continuous learning.

First Cohort Recruitment Overview

Recruitment Start: June 1, 2026

Course Start: July 18, 2026

Format: Online (with some hybrid sessions)

About Enrollment:
The college will continue to recruit students even after its opening, and lectures will be available for archive viewing. Even if you start mid-course, you can catch up by watching past lectures.

Target Audience:
- Farmers and agricultural corporations
- Renewable energy business operators
- Local government officials
- Financial institutions and support organizations
- Students and researchers
- Anyone interested in solar sharing

Application:
Solar Sharing College official website